3 Blade could not get on plane easily HELP

[kg9hfrank]

I have an 2006 Azure 22' open bow with 2' swim platform. 5.0 / Alpha One. Initial purchase had come with 2, 3 blade props. The 14x13 took a very long time to get on plane. Especially with more then 4 people on it. I also have a 14x11 and it has similar response.
I borrowed and then purchased a 15x16 4 blade and it popped out of the water and got on plane easily.
Now.. after several re-dos of the old 3 blades, I am ready to purchase a new prop again.
Should I just get another Michigan Wheel 992202, which seems ok or.. the shop says to "try" a Quicksilver QA2184X. He is perfectly willing to take it back for a Michigan Wheel but I am looking to some additional support from you guys here.

 

[Starcraft5834]

you need to be more concerned that your engine is running WOT in the recommended range.. ie- 4800 rpm.. your 22ft boat is likely heavy and the 4 blade would be recommended... what is your WOT rmp ranges with your prop(s)? WOT= wide open throttle. Personally, Ive got a Solas 4 blade on my 20ft cuddy...very pleased with it.. we need to know your numbers before any real help will come..

 

[kg9hfrank]

Ok, thanks.. now how do I determine that, buy looking at the tach?

 

[Starcraft5834]

Yep..

 

[steelespike]

Yes; get us your wot rpm and gps speed. Your 11 and 13 " props would not normally be used on a boat like yours.
Your 16 is at the bottom of the "normal" list.Extremely low pitch props deliver lots of power and little speed.
Depending on the hp rating of your 5.0 it would probably use a prop about 19" with speeds approaching around 50.
I think your motor may be tired.

 

[fishrdan]

14x13 and 14x11, the diameter sounds pretty small to me. What was the engine doing when trying to come up on plane with those props, bogging and struggling or racing. (I would think it should be racing.) The 15x16 sounds better, but without knowing what the engine RPMs are at WOT, it's hard to say what prop is right.

Could the props be 14x23 and 14x21, those numbers sound more realistic.

 

[Bonus Check]

Ok, thanks.. now how do I determine that, buy looking at the tach?

Run your boat out on the water and see what your speed is when your giving her all she will do. That is WOT, wide open throttle. Look at you tach at WOT and see what RPMs your motor is turning. If you have an iphone, download one of the free speedometer apps and check your speed at WOT on the iPhone. That is considered your GPS speed.

Personally I have a 21' boat with 4.3L Mercruiser Alpha One and I run a 14 1/4 x 21 pitch which fits in my WOT range.

 

[steelespike]

14x13 and 14x11, the diameter sounds pretty small to me. What was the engine doing when trying to come up on plane with those props, bogging and struggling or racing. (I would think it should be racing.) The 15x16 sounds better, but without knowing what the engine RPMs are at WOT, it's hard to say what prop is right.

Could the props be 14x23 and 14x21, those numbers sound more realistic.

I missed that if they are really a 14 X 11 or 14 X 13 they are likely intended for an outboard.
These would be intended for a very heavy boat like a house boat or very large pontoon.
These will likely fit your alpha outdrive but may struggle with ventilation, (revving uncontrollably with little speed)
As fishrdan suggests if they are actually 23 or 21" pitch they may be about 14" diameter.